Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed

Ratings & Reviews

Ratings & Reviews

Peter Cushing gets even better as Frankenstein here, now devoid of any scruples and fully revealed as the obsessive and amoral mad scientist. Poor thing the two supporting actors aren't on the same level. But the story is even darker and ends very strongly.

Masterfully directed with fight scenes that are more detailed for Hammer standards and burning scene that almost foreshadows "Badlands". Add charismatic cast and it's a shame that it all boils down to a story that gets weaker as it progress. Most of the actions and motivations of the main characters are nonsensical which ruins an emotional drive that strives from humanized mythology of Frankenstein.

Frankenstein-the psychopath is now fully revealed. Cushing's genteel charisma is essential in making you see how this person functions. The only other actor I can think of who makes a doctor so dangerous and yet so seductively charming is MADS MIKKELSEN in Hannibal. With Anthony Hopkins as Lecter it's more obvious that it would be wise to avoid him.

A languid pace, but that does eventually allow for some lovely, tragic moments toward the end for Dr. Frankenstein's colleague/victim/patient. The concluding conflagration is impressive.
The Police Inspector is quite amusing whenever he makes an appearance. We could have used more of him sprinkled through the movie to liven things up.

The final 25 minutes and the humanity it gives the monster in this movie more than makes up for the lack of (general) character development (i.e. Carlson and Ward) in the first hour. Strong opening and a hell of a strong ending. One of Cushing's stronger performances in the Hammer catalog.

The fifth of Hammer's Frankenstein series is a solid entry. Peter Cushing is in top form as always as the mad baron, this time around even more sinister than usual. There is some awkward pacing, but it pulls through with a strong, original story leading up to a great fiery climax. Good fun for fans of Hammer horror.